What Are Comice Pears? Taste, Ripeness & Serving Ideas

If you’ve never tasted a Comice pear, you’re in for a treat. Often called the sweetest and juiciest of all pears, Comice has a buttery texture that melts in your mouth.

Here’s everything you need to know about this pear, from where it came from to how to tell when it’s perfectly ripe.

Where Comice Pears Come From

Comice Pears were first grown in the mid-1800s in Angers, France. Their official name is “Doyenné du Comice,” named for the horticultural society where the variety was developed.

Today, Comice pears are grown commercially in the United States. They’re one of the four most popular US pear varieties, along with Anjou, Bartlett, and Bosc. But while most people know the other three, Comice makes up only a small share of the pear harvest, which makes it a true gem of the pear family.

What Do Comice Pears Look and Taste Like?

Comice pears have a round, broad shape that’s shorter and plumper than most pears. Their skin is traditionally greenish yellow with a soft red blush, though some newer Comice pears are almost entirely red.

The skin is thin and delicate, giving way to an incredibly juicy interior. Many people describe the flesh as creamy and velvety, with a rich, honeyed sweetness that sets it apart from other varieties.

Comice pears can grow quite large, which is why they’ve long been prized as a gift fruit, especially during the holidays.

Comice Pear Season

Comice pears are harvested in late summer and early fall and are at their sweetest through fall and winter. At Hale Groves, Comice pears ship from October through January, just in time for holiday gifting.

Are Comice Pears Healthy?

Pears are a nutritious, naturally sweet snack. A medium pear has about 5.5 grams of fiber (around 20% of the daily value), which is more than a medium apple. They also provide vitamin C and potassium.

Much of that fiber is in the skin, so enjoy your pear unpeeled. The whole fruit is edible except for the stem and seeds.

How to Tell When a Comice Pear Is Ripe

Pears ripen from the inside out, so the best test is to “check the neck.” Press gently near the stem with your thumb. If it gives slightly, your Comice is ready to eat.

Keep unripe pears at room temperature until they soften. Once ripe, you can refrigerate them for a few days to slow ripening, then let them come back to room temperature for the best flavor.

How to Enjoy Comice Pears

Because they’re so soft and juicy, Comice pears are at their best eaten fresh. Slice one onto a cheese board with Brie, Camembert, or Stilton for an elegant way to end a meal.

They’re also delicious in salads. Toss sliced Comice with greens, walnuts, blue cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add grilled chicken to turn it into a satisfying entrée.

Want to bake? Comice pears soften quickly in the oven, so choose ones that are just barely ripe. They’re lovely in our Easy Pear Crisp with Oats and Pecans and Hale Groves Fresh Pear Bread.

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Ready to taste the difference? Order fresh Comice Pears or browse all Hale Groves Pears for yourself or as a gift.